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10 Myths About Going Vegan

I am always getting questions about what it takes to go vegan. More and more people are giving this healthy diet a try – for a wide variety of reasons. One if for health – nothing really puts your diet into the wellness fast track like ‘going vegan’ does. Suddenly you are forced to think about and analyze the foods you eat and feed your family. You are reading labels and talking to waiters about ingredients and vegan options – and you will with no doubt in my mind – be eating better. More whole foods, leafy greens and a wider diversity of legumes and grains will slowly seep into your everyday food plan – both for yourself and your family. Your spouse and kids don’t even have to join in the ‘going vegan’ commitment to taste the repercussions of your new diet. Tasting your new vegan recipes and ingredients slowly becomes fun and interesting to them. Tempeh, quinoa, hemp and nutritional yeast. Plus, you may have heard the recent news that red meat is blamed for 1 in ten early deaths – just another paved stone in the path for those looking to try going vegan – changing their diet in a big way. But there are plenty of ‘going vegan’ myths out there. Here are ten of them..

Myth #1: Vegans only eat salads. 1 of 11

It is true that you will be eating plentiful amounts of super healthy leafy greens, veggies, nuts, fruit and more - in salad form. But vegans eat everything just like you do now. Salads can be the center of a meal or a side dish. Vegans eat veggie burgers, pasta, sandwiches, tacos, ice cream sundaes, grains and more. And salads. And from my experience, vegans make the best salads around because of the diversity of healthy ingredients they add in.Make a BBQ Tempeh Salad.

Myth #2: I will have to say goodbye to favorite foods. 2 of 11

I can proudly say that snce going vegan I have veganized all my favorite recipes. Pancakes, lasagna, pizza, soups, sandwiches - even "clam" chowder and mac and cheese. In fact, cheese (a common favorite) is easy to replace if you know how..Get ten vegan options for cheese.

Myth #3: I will be forced to drink yucky green smoothies. 3 of 11

You will drink them. But they are YUMMY, not yucky. You will love and crave vibrant sweet, tasty, emerald green smoothies and juices. If you have ever loved 'fruit smoothies' you can learn to love green smoothies. They are bliss and instant energy in a glass!Make a Green Smoothie.

Myth #4: I can eat anything I want as long as it is vegan. 4 of 11

Not true. There is plenty of vegan junk food out there. Both recipes for it and products in stores. A little in fun in moderation. But just because the cake says it is vegan doesn't mean you can eat five slices.Make vegan Elvis Cake.

Myth #5: Protein will be hard to find. 5 of 11

Protein is in everything. And beans, nuts, grains - even fruits and veggies have it. Eating a well-balanced vegan diet means you will most likely be getting enough protein. Consult a nutritionist if you are unsure of how to balance your diet. Tofu, tempeh, beans, peas, nuts and seeds are my favorite high-density forms. And soy and hemp are complete proteins. Make Tofu Triangles.

Myth #6: Going out to eat won’t be the same. 6 of 11

True! And not true. You will be able to go to most of your favorite spots and easily get fed. Ask the waiter what vegan options they have. I have never been shot down by this simple question. And more and more vegan chains are popping up in cities all over the country. Vegan dining is alive, well and growing!See delicious offerings from vegan spots at Healthy. Happy. Life.

Myth #7: I will have to eat more, and more often to stay satisfied. 7 of 11

If you think vegan food is flavorless, you are not eating the right types of vegan food. Yes, plain brown rice is boring. But once you season foods and get creative with them, they become alive and filled with flavor. Vegetables need tender love and seasoning just the way pasta does! You'll soon be crafting your own flavor-infused meals - like this cheesy vegan BBQ burger.Make vegan cheesy mushroom burgers.

Myth #9: I will have to shop at special grocery stores. 9 of 11

Sure, grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's - and natural foods shops make it easy to 'go vegan.' But you can easily enjoy a delicious vegan diet from everyday foods found in most grocery stores. Grains, produce, nuts, seeds and more are the basic whole foods from which fancy vegan foods come from. And if you seek a few specialty ingredients like nutritional yeast or vegan chocolate chips - you can always buy online as a last resort. This almond shake is made from easy to find ingredients!..Make an almond shake.

Myth #10: My friends and family will look down on me. 10 of 11

No way! And if they tease, just serve up some amazing vegan food to convince them otherwise. Party vegan food like these poppers are always a hit with friends. Or have friends over for a vegan BBQ. And vegan cupcakes will say it all! And you have a giant vegan cheering squad on your side. Some of them are even household names like Bill Clinton and Ellen Degeneres.Make vegan jalapeno poppers.

Healthy Vegan Foods 11 of 11

And the best part about going vegan is the way you feel. Your body will thank you for the influx of nutrient dense foods - and you will feel an inner peace about the foods you choose to eat and the animals lives you are saving.Add healthy vegan foods to your diet today.

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Content provided on this site is for entertainment or informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or health, safety, legal or financial advice. Click here for additional information.